The Roaches is a rocky ridge in the southwest of the Peak District National Park in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It’s a great place for a challenging walk to its peak and a paradise for climbers.
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From the top, you can enjoy breath-taking views over the Staffordshire countryside and its other peaks including the Cloud, Gun Hill, and Shutlingsloe. You’ll also see Tittesworth Reservoir, with its sparkling waters.
This route is a fairly challenging one with a gradual incline and then some steep steps on the way back down. There’s also a pub stop at the end at The Lazy Trout in Meerbrook where you can enjoy a well-earned pint and maybe a bite to eat too.
Distance: Approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Time: Around 5 hours with a couple of stops along the way
Parking: There is free on street parking on Meerbrook Road (ST13 8SN). If this is full, you can park elsewhere in the village. You’re more likely to find a space if you arrive early in the morning or later on in the day.
The Roaches walk route
For a detailed route map, use the OS Maps or the Komoot app. Be sure to bring a paper map with you too, in case you run out of phone battery.
From your parking spot on Meerbrook Road, you’ll head out across a number of fields. From here, you’ll already start to enjoy the views, especially on a clear day.
You’ll be able to see the Roaches, where you’re heading. The route is waymarked but most of the paths are trods through fields, so may be a little overgrown.
During spring there are sheep with lambs in these fields so be sure to keep your dog under control and on their lead so as not to frighten them. The walk is a gradual incline from here, passing through magical woodland glens, until you reach Roach End, the beginning of the Roaches.
From here, it’s a flagstone path to the top where you’ll find a trig point. Because of the craggy landscapes, there are plenty of places here to take a break for a drink or to eat your packed lunch and you’ll be sheltered from the wind. Take care along the ridge as there are some steep drops to the side.
When you’re ready, continue walking along the ridge. From mid-July until early September, this area looks even more beautiful as the moorlands are covered with purple-coloured heather. On a clear day you can see as far as Cheshire and even Snowdon from here.
You’ll see spectacular views of Tittesworth Reservoir on your right and you’ll pass by Doxey Pool on your left. Doxey Pool is a tranquil body of water which has a myth behind it. The myth says that there is a mermaid living in the pool who lures children in – but don’t worry, the pool is fenced off so is quite safe.
Before too long, you’ll see some steep steps on your right which will lead you down and start your return to Meerbrook. You’ll descend into a wooded area where you’ll find the Don Whillans Memorial Hut (also known as Rockhall Cottage).
Continue on and you’ll reach the road where you’ll see plenty of layby parking. If you fancy just a short, sharp walk, or maybe watching the sunset from the Roaches then this is a good place to park.
Further along, you can stop off at the Roaches Tea Rooms for a coffee and cake. Continue along this road back to Meerbrook where you’ll pass the reservoir before arriving in the village.
Be careful on the road here as it is a narrow road which can be quite busy. Meerbrook is a gorgeous village with a red box and chocolate-box cottages so it’s well worth having a wander round here if you have time.
You can find out more about walking routes in the Staffordshire Moorlands and things to do there on the Enjoy Staffordshire website. See more inspiration for Peak District walks here.
Where to stay for The Roaches
I love a unique place to stay and there is a mountain cabin which is perfectly located for walking and climbing the Roaches. The Don Whillans Memorial Hut is almost built into the rocks of the Roaches and provides basic accommodation for up to 12 people.
You can book the whole hut or just a bed in one of the shared bedrooms, although you need to be a member of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to do so. The hut has cooking and dining facilities, a shower, central heating, and a drying room, so it’s the perfect place to stay on long distance, multi-day walks.
You’ll pass the hut on the way back to Meerbrook so, even if you’re not staying, you can have a little look around the outside of the building. It’s a really gorgeous and unique building so definitely worth a quick nosy!
There are picnic benches outside with some gorgeous views, so if you need a tea or snack break, you can have a little stop here.
Pub stop at The Lazy Trout, Meerbrook
A walk isn’t a walk without a pub stop and this walk is no exception. The Lazy Trout is the perfect place to pop into after your walk up the Roaches.
This cosy pub has indoor seating with a roaring fire for the colder months and an outside terrace where you can enjoy the sunshine in summer. There are dog friendly areas where you can bring your pooch too.
The staff here are really friendly and the service is quick. There’s a relaxed atmosphere and walkers are very welcome.
The pub does get quite busy (I went on a weekday at 4pm and there were plenty of people eating here) so be sure to book a table if you want to eat.
The food is delicious with a range of hearty pub grub classics, steaks, burgers, and more, on the menu. I had a steak and ale pie with chips and vegetables and I couldn’t wait to take a picture before tucking in!
The chips were my favourite part – they were homemade and perfectly crispy. The prices were very reasonable too with starters at around £8 main courses costing around £15.
I also dined solo and I didn’t feel out of place at all. It’s a fantastic spot to finished your Roaches walk.
